Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand restricts India for 249 despite Shreyas Iyer’s heroics

The Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium witnessed a aggressive first innings as New Zealand took on India within the twelfth match of Group A within the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Selecting to bowl first after successful the toss, New Zealand’s bowlers placed on a formidable show, limiting India to a complete of 249/9 of their allotted 50 overs.

Early setbacks for India

Beginning the innings, India confronted speedy stress from New Zealand’s disciplined bowling assault. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill struggled to search out rhythm, with Gill departing early for simply 2 runs off 7 deliveries. Rohit Sharma tried to counter-attack however may solely handle 15 runs off 17 balls, together with one 4 and a six, earlier than being dismissed.

Essentially the most thrilling second got here when Glenn Phillips executed a spectacular catch at backward level to dismiss Virat Kohli for 11 runs off 14 balls. Kohli’s keep was transient however featured two superb boundaries, and his dismissal was a testomony to New Zealand’s fielding prowess.

Additionally WATCH: Glenn Phillips takes a flying catch to dismiss Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma’s response says all of it | Champions Trophy 2025

Center-order resurgence: Shreyas Iyer’s half-century

Regardless of the early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer led India’s restoration with a composed innings of 79 runs off 98 balls. His good efficiency, that includes 4 fours and a pair of sixes, offered India with some much-needed stability. Alongside him, Axar Patel contributed a precious 42 runs from 61 balls, hitting three fours and a six to propel the innings ahead.

India’s center order obtained additional assist from Hardik Pandya, who scored 45 runs off 45 deliveries, which included 4 fours and two towering sixes. His aggressive method through the center overs helped India inch towards a decent complete.

India end at 249/9 of their stipulated overs

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New Zealand’s bowling brilliance: Matt Henry’s fifer

New Zealand’s bowling assault, led by an outstanding efficiency from Matt Henry, was key to containing India’s rating. Henry was the decide of the bowlers, ending with outstanding figures of 5 wickets for 42 runs in his 8 overs. His skill to extract motion and preserve accuracy proved essential in dismantling India’s batting lineup.

Kyle Jamieson offered important assist, claiming 1 wicket for 31 runs in his 8 overs, whereas William O’Rourke chipped in with a diligent efficiency, taking 1 wicket for 47 runs throughout his 9 overs. Mitchell Santner demonstrated his all-round proficiency by sustaining stress along with his left-arm spin, conceding 41 runs and choosing up a wicket in his full quota of 10 overs. Rachin Ravindra additionally made his mark, capturing a wicket in his 6 overs whereas gifting away 31 runs.

Can India battle again with the ball?

With 250 runs because the goal, New Zealand’s batters will look to maintain their staff’s momentum within the run chase. India, however, will depend on their bowlers to compensate for the batting lapses and battle again to defend a difficult rating on a pitch identified for its variable bounce. The second innings guarantees to be an thrilling show of cricketing technique and talent on this essential ICC Champions Trophy conflict.

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